I'm a Female Entreprenure

.... And a proud one at that!
I have been spoken about and written about in the past for my other ventures but this time I feel I have touched a new high. Being recognised as one of the impressive female entrepreneurs around is such a fulfilling feeling in itself. YOLO by Vibz has given me greater satisfaction.
I thank Chetana Misra, the founder of Momprenures India for recognising my talent and putting me in the limelight, that I bask in today.
I am thrilled to connect with Caroline of 'We Are The City'. And I see myself moving towards newer horizons...
Please do visit the link to read my detailed interview...
http://wearethecity.in/female-entrepreneur-vibhuti-bhandarkar-yolo-by-vibz/

The newest feather in my cap!
;)

Surprise! Surprise!

It was almost half a decade since I'd last picked up a brush. I still remember when I finally decided to attempt a fresh new painting, I was frankly very unsure of myself. Absolutely not confident of working on a canvas, even the handmade paper that lay before me seemed very intimidating. I'd never imagined, an accomplished artist at college, it was the same Vibhuti would be so nervous about putting the pencil to paper again.As I gingerly held the pencil and moved it over the paper, willing my heart to take over again and guide my hands, it happened!

I was feeling that same old wave of excitement and passion for art. The paper seemed to suddenly throw up images into my head, not vice versa,as all know. And I actually sketched a Buddha. Within minutes the pencil sketch was smiling pleasantly back at me. I feverishly picked up my brush and a whole new vibrant pallette of colours starting filling up the blank spaces on the paper.

Little did I know at that moment, that this same Buddha would become my most popular piece of art selling under the YOLO banner, handpainted again onto the most varied fashion accessories like mobile phone cases, scarfs and handbags.

   

In fact, YOLO was born out of a bit of complaining from the footwear crazy husband. he wanted to pick up an interesting pair but for the need of comfort had impulsively shopped for pairs of North Star Loafers. Out of nowhere, a spark of an idea had me secretly working on the black pair. The boring charvoal black by morning was painted in the varied hues of a peacock. The preener that he is The Peacock was just the icon suiting his personality.The party animal that he is, was flashing a wide grin that eve' as he happily got ready to make a stylish entry at the DO'. 

Thus was born, exactly 3 months ago, in the latter half of February, 2014.

YOLO by Vibz came about from a single spark of an idea, from the innate love for fashion and the undying passion for art. 

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE! So well, you need to LIVE this life to the fullest. have every wish fulfilled. pamper yourself to the hilt, let's begin doing just that, here at YOLO. Allow me to make you something bespoke, completely exclusive like none other, just for you. interesting fashion accessories that will help you make your mark. A style statement!

I have only recently begun this journey but the adulation has already begun to pour in. 

I am ever thankful to God and all my patrons who appreciate my art and support my venture.

Please continue showering all th elove and LIKEs, yes! @ FB..:)

Sharing one of the MILESTONEs with you all here...

You can read the full article published in DNA of Navi Mumbai at here
http://epaper.dnaindia.com/epapermain.aspx?pgNo=3&edcode=820015&eddate=2014-6-05

I now strive to go ahead from here, while continuing to work with the same diligence and love for handpainted YOLO fashion accessories.

Thankyou and stay stylish always,

Butterfly in the garden

There are many AZTEC STORIES to tell.
And I'm loving all the spinning,
My head is abuzz with ideas and a million threads I'm pulling.
Flitting about with my brush I captured a few strokes, Well!
This is what I found.

Butterflys look lovely with their delicate wings,
Of intricate patterns like a symphony fluttering.
I let it fly away and look where it's gone and settled.....
:)

Its a summery garden party and there was a befitting flower there for this butterfly to adorn!

Handpainted with love, this is a partof the Aztec Stories series.
There are so many Tres Chic stories to tell and this was one of them....

Here in India we could easily use this jacket as the focal point of a great Indo-fusion look, wearing it over a summery Lucknowi Chikankari Kurti. That's the way I'd do it!

However I'm using Polyvore to explore the visual vibrancy this butterfly can create elsewhere. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, eh?

Butterfly in the garden by vibhuti-bb featuring a red skater skirt

Aéropostale red skater skirt
aeropostale.com

Flat sandals
stylishplus.com

Accessorize white purse
accessorize.com

Vera Bradley umbrella
verabradley.com

The Pink Panther

We are battling the summers and what better way than to do it in a trendy pair of Bermudas?
yet another AZTEC STORY is titled the PINK PANTHER- this limited edition Neon Pink Canvas Tote handbag is an individually handpainted piece that gives the look a more personalised identity. Wherever you carry it, even dressed in those casual bermudas, you will still look runway ready!
Aztec prints on laid back denims, now that's a cool way to work the Resortwear look, ain't it?

The Pink Panther by vibhuti-bb featuring YOLO by Vibz handpainted and bespoke fashion accessories

Hollister Co polo tank top
hollisterco.com

Carven high rise shorts
$175 - yoox.com

Valentino shoes
forzieri.com

Baccarat pink crystal earrings
baccarat.com

Aéropostale bracelet jewelry
aeropostale.com

Lucky Eye Aztec Tote

Hello Friends,
Thankyou for patiently waiting for the curtain raiser on my AZTEC STORIES.
My Aztec Queen had promised to share with you her style statement pieces.
Here is one from the line.
This Neon Green and Gold Tote is a perfect resort wear accessory.
Perfectly spacious enough to hold all your knick-knacks, creams and lotions. Stuff your sarong in too if you wish!
Individually handpainted with love, this is an Acrylic on canvas Tote handbag made to grab some eyes, quite literally. However feel protected by the great eye that wards off the evil and thats how this Aztec Story goes.. :)

Lucky Eye Aztec Tote by vibhuti-bb featuring YOLO by Vibz handpainted and bespoke fashion accessories

Full Tilt top
tillys.com

Leather shoes
$580 - shoescribe.com

Topshop floppy hat
topshop.com

The Row aviator sunglasses
theoutnet.com

A 100 Happy Days

This Meme-like craze has been going aaround for quite a while now, mainly at Instagram. And you know what I love it! Though I havent started posting on this topic, myself, I feel the idea is fantastic. Theres so much to celebrate! Really there's something nice happening to each one of us every single day, only if we stop and take out a minute to appreciate it.

The other day my friend's daughter spotted Flamingos right here between the-hustle bustle of New Mumbai. What a sight it must have been? I'm sure it made the mother, the daughter and everybody with them at that moment really happy at that moment.

How many of us care to acknowledge those little moments of sheer pleasure that come with no strings attached? I love the idea of the '100 happy days exercise' for the simple reason that it puts us in touch with ourselves. What we are deep within. The critics may call it another chance of gloating Vanity. They may also shrug it off by saying who needs to participate in this to know that we are happy? I've read a comment from a person that went something like, " Who needs that? There are more than a 100 days in my life of happiness!" Phbt!!!You just dint get it, did you?

For me, counting my blessings has always been the best exercise to keep me smiling when I go to bed at night, like the great legend Zohra prescribed at her 102nd birthday. For me, Art and writing give me a happiness from the core of my heart, like nothing else. (Please don't read too much into that. My children and my family are my LIFE so I dint mention them in the same breath as Art & Writing)

Well, Art has come back to me, recently after a gap of almost a decade and must I say it has given me immense pleasure to be holding the brushes and sploshing about in those beautiful colours. Like, those who know me would say, I have multiple interests and hobbies. At the risk of sounding boastful I will say, I am multi-talented but that leaves me with the feeling that I fall short of time. There's just so much to do, explore, enjoy!
One fine morning in February this year, I woke up with the thought 'This is ONE life to live!' My past life is a mystery and I as Vibhuti will never know whether there's another life beyond when I can fulfill my wishes. Liek a glutton I was wondering whether who knows I'd even have these wishes in the nect life. What the heck, You Only Live Once!
And this thought sparked yet another idea that there may be people with so many of their own wishes and wants. What if these dreams could be custom designed and delivered. Fashion became my means and I took up my tools to do just that. Thus was born my own little house of hand-painted, bespoke, fashion accessories.

And ever since its inception this baby of mine has given me immense joy. A big reason to smile!
I have been custom designing a few pieces here and there and the responses from my patrons is oh, so overwheleming! Painting their wishes into reality and accepting accolade for it has become my addiction (in a constructive sense, ofcourse)!

Though custom-designed for Cheryl Mehta, this mobile case is representative of my present state of mind too. Was so happy while I was painting this.
And many have written in to me saying that they connect with the spirit at 'YOLO'.
Follow me at http://instagram.com/vibzb. I have a 100 and odd posts, each that gave me reasons to be happy.
My FB Shop for YOLO by Vibz will soon be hitting a double century.
I can only say VIBZ is yet again so very Thankful for all the love. Yes, Indeed I have many reasons to be happy!

AZTEC or FIJIan? Eye-ball grabbing patterns...

From the 13th century, the Valley of Mexico was the heart of Aztec civilization. This MesoAmerican Culture had rich and complex mythological and religious traditions. The current fashion world has attributed an entire fashion trend to the artistic legacy from this great cvilisation. 

On the other hand the traditional tribal art on the Tapa cloth from the Polynesian islands of FIJI is a world renowned art form too. The Tapa cloth, even known as Masi are painted by rubbing, stamping, stencilling, smoking or dyeing. The patterns of Tongan, Samoan, and Fijian Tapa usually form a grid of squares, each of which contains geometrical patterns. they also have repeated motifs such as fish and plants and tortoise.

I understand that there are many overlapping motifs and designs in art, throughout cultures worldwide. Especially since the world is now more connected then ever before, its very easy to get confused and then misappropriate credit of such taditional art.
Recently a renowned fashion designer also recieved great flak for such a blunder.
I do not wish to walk that very same thin ice, myself. Hence the undermentioned clarification...

DISCLAIMER:
I do not claim any copyrights on the traditional tribal art motifs used  in my works. And neither do I intend to attribute the motifs of the Tapa Art to Aztec designs. The line of handpainted products that I offer and have titled 'AZTEC STORIES' are in fact a fusion of both these art forms where motifs and patterns have been interspersed to create visual vibrancy. i am a big fan of both the art forms and do not intend to glorify only one art form while stealing from another. The reason behind the naming of the product line is simply because of its wide popularity and familiarity between my target audience.Tapa paintings being relatively lesser known in the Indian markets,did not become the first choice for the naming of the product line.

https://www.facebook.com/YOLObyVibz

Having said that I wish to call the paintings and fashion accessories made in this contemporary fusion style, my own and i wish that my audience do not flout the laws against plagiarism. 'My Aztec Queen' bears my copyrights and the idea of application of the designs is my intellectual property too..

Please do visit my FB page https://www.facebook.com/YOLObyVibz ....to stay tuned into the latest tales....Will be uploading this tantalising collection real soon #YOLO

Trendspotting: Hand-illustrated Mobile Phone Covers

We are in a day and age when we do not go anywhere without our mobile phones. Almost everybody is carrying an Android for that matter. We call them our SMART Phones but do they really LOOK smart enough? We have been told not to judge a book by its cover and same goes with our phones too?
NOT if the Phone cover is also equally SMART! Then it would be commendable and impresie inside out. Right?
This thought must have struck many intelligent brains before mine because it already seems to be a growing case. Innumerable people are seen shopping for and flocking at Mobile Phone case/cover shoppes. And wider the choice the more they are at loss of decisiveness.
Like we shop for dresses and accessories, I've heard women discuss their phone covers, mulling over what would be the best choice to make?
Each piece either lacked in 'something' or was overdone!

And I'm sure many of us too feel the same about the phone covers we've used till date.
I have a solution to that! Just get your phone cover custom designed,ZIMPLE!!!!
LOL

The BUDDHA is one such icon that is a hot favourite with almost everybody. One can see innumerable BUDDHA illustrations in all sorts of applications. Pillow covers, lampshades, kurtis and whatnots. You name it and an artist has already tried his/her hand at painting the peaceful face of the great Buddha there.
Here's my own painting adapted onto a mobile phone cover. #YOLO

The word PEACE also reminds me of the White Swans on serene waters. Here's a personalised hand-painted Mobile Phone Flip Cover.

This lovable pair is a constant reminder for my patron, of the illimitable love between them, when her beau is away on International business trips. :)
Isn't that adorable?

And then there is another kind of love that takes pride in the sense of belonging. presenting a hand-painted bespoke Phone cover that is aptly designed to express that emotion. A constant symbol of gratitude, for her husband's love!

Then there's the loving and caring husband who wishes to give his dutiful wifey a token of love. So he orders for a customised Radhe-Krishna handpainted onto wifey's mobile cover. Absolutely fantastic gifting idea there! :) I happily obliged and made this...

For all those who would like to preen and flaunt their choices their lifestyle, there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, I strongly believe, we have one life to live and so we must live it to the fullest.
That's the spirit of YOLO!

5 ways of styling Art Brooches.

We follow fashion trends ardently, don't we? We like to remain updated. When its time to attend an event we look for designer wear. The Shopaholics that we are, with every season there are new designs in apparels to hunt down, wear and flaunt. The beauty however lies in how we style our apparels.
And sometimes we do not realise that the apparently plain and simple clothes in our wardrobe offer just the right canvas for making a style statement! How you ask?
The trick lies in accessorising, my dears!
Let me show you just one type of accessory that can give a 360 degrees turn around for your plain Jane/ boring Jack look. 

5 WAYS of STYLING with BROOCHES:-

         

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https://www.facebook.com/YOLObyVibz

1) Heading for a brunch party and you got nothing new to wear? Isn't that almost always the case? 

 A cupboard full of clothes but there's nothing interesting to wear. Woe Me! 
I suggest you bring out that boyfriend blazer you got there and simply affix a huge, standout Brooch on the lapel. And Voila! You will surely be grabbing eyeballs. They'd be flitting to you like butterflies.





2) Your favourite old Overalls/Dungarees needn't lie in the back of the cupboard for lack of that punch. Take your weathered Denims to a whole new level of functionality meets edgy styling. Pin a feathered Art Brooch onto the front pocket or lapel and set a trend. That pop of colour will do wonders for your look.

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3) A fashionable Art Brooch with a good design often lends far better character to your outfit than an expensive gold and diamonds Brooch. Use it with your flowy, very feminine dresses. Take a cue from Mrs. O.Respect!

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 https://www.facebook.com/YOLObyVibz

 4) Brooches are the oldest form of accessories that have never really gone out of style. The most traditional way of wearing them has been on the hat. Take the most basic black hat and a brightly coloured Brooch. And what you will see is a volatile combination! This styling, instantly takes a guy and projects him as THE dapper dude. What would the Ladies at the Derbys have done without their voluminous hats decorated with those awesome accessories. 

5) And our last but very interesting tip that may give you more popularity than any of your other looks. We call it - The Perfect Host' Look. Invite your closest friends over for a dinner party and surprise them with gorgeous hand-painted Art Brooches at each place setting, on the dinner table. Imagine their thrill when they realise the darling piece is for keeps! Thus you will have them eating out of your hands, quite literally. 

http://shabbyshanscottage.blogspot.in/2011_12_01_archive.html

Copyrights remain with
https://www.facebook.com/YOLObyVibz

Pick an Art Brooch and go from DRAB TO FAB in minutes!

An array of the most versatile pieces for you to choose from. If you don't already own Brooches its never too late to start collecting. Wider the variety you own, more prepared you will be for any occassion. Pick your Art Brooch from HERE now!

Dressing up the young, urban and male!

Tricky business this?

Challenging definitely because they are unchartered waters for us women wrapped up in our own world of shopping and playing dress up!

There are however an entire generation of men, yes MEN who love to dress up too.

They preen as much as a Peacock and they have an intense urge to pick up fashion pieces that will UP their style quotient immediately, the impatient gender that they are.

Well, I've always found dressing up my man more interesting and have been pretty successful at  that because he's as game as I am for sporting Quirky fashion pieces. Edgy fashion seems to go down with him well too..:)

So happy at home ground I was that I decided the first series of YOLO fashionable offers should be something for the young, urban and MALE.

Style this pair of hand-painted North-Star Black Canvas Slip-Ons well and you are making a style statement at every step! Keep the rest of the look minimalistic. A pair of your most lived-in Jeans will also go down well when your legs end at these. The assymetrical design breaks the monotony.

Since they are completely hand-painted,each pair of shoes are unique and may vary a tad bit .

I'm an artist and I'm passionate about painting. And good at that too..;)
A pair of hand-painted shoes are as individual and unique as you are.
There are an array of colourful possibilities on myriad themes, some sophsticated, some playful and some truly inspiring designs. Your shoes can flaunt any concept that you personally like, treasure. You would be wearing what you are all about, thats what bespoke hand-painted fashion accessories are all about.
You can judge a man by his shoes, they say? How true would that be!

Meet The Artist

Hii friends,
The very first post at my fresh new blog...
Thought I'd introduce myself first because that's what good manners are all about right?

Vibz aka Vibhuti Bhandarkar loves to dabble in colours.

 "Give me any plain surface and I can spruce it up with my imagination"

Professionally qualified a s a commercial artist I started out as a graphic designer and following the 2 passions of my life- Art & Writing, I've been on a journey that's been full of absolutely enriching experiences.

Its so very truly put that Its the journey and not the destination, that makes it all worthwhile. From graphic designer to Copywriter, from avid blogger to published author, I have enjoyed each phase of the metamorphosis, so completely. 

From being a gallerist at my own little set-up in Pune to being an Art Curator at this sprawling Mall in New-Mumbai, I have still a lot many dreams to live. 

As a gallerist and Art Curator I quickly realised that Art as in Paintings and Sculptures is looked at as inaccessible for the masses due to the price tags they carry.  Each and every soul has a penchant for, understanding of and appreciation for some or the other form of creative art. However Fine Art is looked at as something meant for the rich and elite. I beg to differ! And I wish to strive to bring about a change in this rife belief.

YOLO has happened only because of this undying passion for art. It has come about with the strong vision, to make hand-painted Art pieces easily accessible to one and all. YOLO will bring forth wearable Art which the masses have great appreciation for. Paintings are mostly always expensive but not at YOLO.

'#YOLO- You Only Live Once so everybody deserves to own bespoke-completely designed to your own personal choice, arty accesories that are hand-painted JUST FOR YOU...

I believe in living life to the fullest because #YOLO !! ;) :)